Western Kenai Peninsula Area, Alaska
The most common soil here is Starichkof, on about 11% of the land. Soldotna and Cohoe come next.
About 56% of the land drains well, and 39% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 40% of it.
USDA rates 87% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 57% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 6% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 2% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Western Kenai Peninsula Area, Alaska, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Spodosols — acidic forest soils with a distinctive leached layer, common under conifers. This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Western Kenai Peninsula Area, Alaska. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starichkof peat, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 57K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Starichkof and Doroshin soils, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 53K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Soldotna silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Soldotna silt loam, sandy substratum, undulating | 26K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 21K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Killey and Moose River soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 21K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cohoe silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Starichkof-Slikok-Naptowne complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 17K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Salamatof peat, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 15K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cohoe silt loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Typic Cryorthents, 100 to 150 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mutnala silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Salamatof and Doroshin peats, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Whitsol silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tidal flats | 12K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Whitsol silt loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Qutal silt loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mutnala silt loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Starichkof-Spenard complex, undulating | 10K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cohoe silt loam, dry, 4 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
Soil Orders in This Area
The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 57% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 87% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.